Define 'first aid' in the workplace context.

In the workplace context, first aid refers to the immediate assistance provided to an injured or ill person before professional medical help can be reached. This is vital, as it can be crucial in stabilizing the injured person’s condition, preventing further harm, and in some instances, it can be life-saving. First aid can involve basic medical procedures such as applying bandages, performing CPR, or managing a person’s airway. The goal is to preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery until advanced assistance arrives.

The other options provided do not fit the definition of first aid. Long-term treatment for chronic conditions falls outside the scope of immediate care and requires ongoing professional medical management. Relaxation techniques for stress reduction address mental well-being but are not interventions for physical injury or sudden illness, while employee performance evaluations are entirely unrelated to medical care and focus on assessment of work performance. Therefore, understanding that first aid is defined by its immediacy and scope of care highlights why the correct answer centers on immediate assistance prior to further medical intervention.